1 Samuel 8:19

19 The people paid no attention to Samuel, but said, "No! We want a king,

1 Samuel 8:19 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 8:19

Nevertheless, the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel,
&c.] The advice he gave not to think of a king, but be content with the government under which they were; but to this they would not hearken, notwithstanding all the inconveniences that would attend such a change:

and they said, nay, but we will have a king over us;
they would not believe what Samuel said concerning a king, even though they were the words of the Lord he delivered to them; and though they knew Samuel was a prophet, and spoke by a spirit of prophecy, and none of his words had ever fallen to the ground: but such was their stubbornness and obstinacy, and so set upon having a king, that one they would have, let them suffer what hardships, or be at what expenses they might; at all events, and against all remonstrances, they were determined to have one.

1 Samuel 8:19 In-Context

17 He will take a tenth of your flocks. And you yourselves will become his slaves.

18 When that time comes, you will complain bitterly because of your king, whom you yourselves chose, but the Lord will not listen to your complaints."

19 The people paid no attention to Samuel, but said, "No! We want a king,

20 so that we will be like other nations, with our own king to rule us and to lead us out to war and to fight our battles."

21 Samuel listened to everything they said and then went and told it to the Lord.